Books are more than pages bound together, they are gateways to knowledge, tools for achieving dreams, and bridges that connect communities. At Our Future Reads, we believe everyone deserves access to books. That belief began with a single moment of inspiration.
One day, Franklin Taylor, a Mann, Julian, and Fenwick alumni and the founder of Our Future Reads, looked at a pile of books he had read in college and thought, “Some of these I loved; others I’ll probably never read again. But I know someone else would love to.” That small thought sparked a big idea. Franklin began searching for places in Chicago to donate books for adult readers but found none that fit the need. Instead of giving up, he decided to create one.
He reached out to family and friends, sharing his vision to bring books to people who needed them. One friend’s connection to the Oak Park school district resulted in the first donation of 500 books—an achievement that marked the start of something much bigger. Word spread, more books poured in, and partnerships began forming. Since then, Our Future Reads has grown into a thriving nonprofit that has distributed over 20,000 books, built relationships with 15 organizations, and is on track to impact 5,000 readers this year alone.
The next step in this incredible journey is the opening of the Mission Curiosity Bookstore. Located at 319 Madison St., Oak Park, IL 60302, the bookstore will open on March 1 and welcome readers every Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Mission Curiosity Bookstore is much more than a place to buy books. It’s an extension of Our Future Reads’ mission to ensure everyone has access to the transformative power of books. Every book purchased helps fund efforts to deliver books to individuals and families who cannot afford them, don’t live near a library, or simply haven’t had the opportunity to explore the world of reading. And if you have gently used books at home, you can donate them, helping others experience the joy of reading.
The goal is ambitious yet deeply personal: to place at least 100 books in every household served, not all at once, but over time, through lasting relationships and community collaboration. The Mission Curiosity Bookstore is a space where every purchase fuels that goal, creating opportunities for learning, dreaming, and growth.
We invite you to join us for the grand opening on March 1. Explore the shelves, find your next favorite book, and see how your support directly impacts lives across Oak Park and the Chicagoland area.
As Franklin often says, “Books are more than stories, they’re tools for dreaming, learning, and growing.” Together, we can share the gift of reading, one book at a time.
Mark your calendars for March 1. We can’t wait to welcome you to the Mission Curiosity Bookstore!